Northside Health Library

Ear wax

Definition

The ear canal is lined with hair follicles and glands that produce a waxy oil called cerumen. The wax usually makes its way to the opening of the ear, where it falls out or is removed by washing.

Wax can build up and block the ear canal. Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.

Alternative Names

Ear impaction; Cerumen impaction; Ear blockage

Causes

Ear wax protects the ear by:

Trapping and preventing dust, bacteria, and other germs and small objects from entering and damaging the ear

Protecting the delicate skin of the ear canal from getting irritated when water is in the canal

In some people, the glands produce more wax than can be easily removed from the ear. This extra wax may harden in the ear canal and block the ear. When you try to clean the ear, you may instead push wax deeper and block the ear canal.